When Jose Mourinho realised as a teenager that he was never going to be a great player, he decided he was going to become the best coach in the world. At 47, many would say that he's done that - probably including Mourinho, who has called himself the Special One. From translator and assistant to Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona, to Champions League-winning manager at Porto and on to turning Chelsea into one of Europe's most successful clubs, followed by Champions League victory at Inter-Milan, and now ready to deliver the same at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho's ascent has been rapid.
Backed by Abramovich's billions, Mourinho weeded out those not fully committed to his methods, made several astute signings and improved the performances of many Chelsea stars. The result: in his first season in 2005, Chelsea won both the Premier League title and the Carling Cup, followed by another title the following season. Mourinho then left for Inter-Milan where he delivered a treble in his second season in charge, and is now tasked with bringing Real Madrid's 'Galacticos' the silverware they crave.
Patrick Barclay, award-winning football correspondent of The Times, has written an intelligent, analytical and concise account of the life and psychology of Mourinho. To develop this portrait, he has interviewed those who have worked closely with him, such as Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal, as well as some of the players who provide a revealing insight into what has made Mourinho the most successful manager in the world.
